A Lady Bird deed is a powerful way to pass your Florida home to your family without probate—but only if it is prepared and recorded correctly. Here is what goes into setting one up.
What a valid Florida Lady Bird deed requires
- An accurate legal description of the property (not just the street address)
- Specific enhanced life estate language reserving your right to sell, mortgage, or revoke
- One or more named remainder beneficiaries
- Proper execution: signed before a notary and two witnesses, as Florida deeds require
- Recording in the official records of the county where the property is located
The basic steps
First, confirm the deed fits your overall plan and coordinates with your will or trust. Next, the deed is drafted with the correct language and beneficiaries. You then sign it with the required witnesses and notary, and finally it is recorded with the county. Once recorded, the arrangement is in place—while you keep full control of the home.
Why precision matters
A single missing phrase can turn an enhanced life estate into an ordinary one—costing you the control that makes a Lady Bird deed worthwhile—or cloud your title for years. Because the stakes are the family home, most Floridians have an attorney prepare the deed rather than risk a template. Contact Hochberger Law to have yours done right.
This article is general information about Florida law, not legal advice. Please consult a Florida attorney about your specific circumstances.